The iPad Pro was already the fastest tablet on the market, but the new model takes it one step further. Unfortunately, the software lags quite a bit. The iPad Pro 2021 is crying out for macOS.
Why is the iPad Pro not running macOS?
During the flashy presentation of the iPad Pro 2021, we saw Tim Cook turn into Tom Cruise. Like in a Mission Impossible movie, he stole the M1 chip from the MacBook Pro to transfer it to the new iPad. That was a surprise. It was previously thought that Apple would provide the new tablet with an A14X chip.
Still, it is not a crazy step to give the iPad Pro an M1 chip, because the company already makes it for its laptops and the new iMac. Why then develop a separate chip for the fastest tablet? Apple’s strategy is now clear. The normal iPad and the iPad Air continue to run on iPhone processors, the iPad Pro gets the same chip as the MacBooks.
iPadOS is too limited for the iPad Pro
There is only one problem: iPadOS. That operating system is too limited to get the most out of the M1 chip. Apple does develop iPadOS, of course, but far too slowly. The gap between the hardware and software is getting bigger rather than smaller. In other words: the iPad Pro 2021 is a Ferrari that you can only drive in built-up areas.
The solution is quite simple: let the iPad Pro also run macOS. Then the device can finally become a real laptop replacement. For years, it was possible to install Windows on Intel MacBooks using Boot Camp. It should be a breeze for Apple to let iPad Pro users choose between iPadOS and macOS.
That would be a great way to distinguish the Pro from cheaper variants. Anyone who buys an iPad Pro 12.9 inch with 1TB storage and 16GB RAM pays 1,989 euros for it. The device is in every respect more beautiful and better than the normal iPad of 389 euros, but has hardly any extra functions. That is becoming more and more difficult.
Dreaming of a truly versatile iPad Pro
Because macOS runs on laptops and desktops, the operating system is not optimized for touchscreens. That is a disadvantage if you put it on an iPad Pro. Of course it would be nice if you could operate macOS with your fingers, but that is not necessary. After all, with a Magic Keyboard, the iPad looks quite like a MacBook.
The iPad Pro is potentially an incredibly versatile device. A tablet if you sit on the couch, a laptop if you want to work on the go, and a desktop like Apple macOS and full support for external monitors. Technically all of this is possible. Apple is probably holding back this development because the company would then sell fewer MacBooks and Mac minis.
During WWDC 2021 on June 7, Apple will present iPadOS 15 and the new version of macOS, among other things. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the company will also bring macOS to the iPad Pro. Hopefully Apple will take a solid step to bring the operating systems closer together. Otherwise, that powerful M1 chip will get boring.
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